Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee Meeting Recap – December 15, 2025

On December 15th, the Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee convened to discuss progress and shape the future of planning efforts for our community. This meeting, attended by committee members and county staff, focused on identifying key policy issues to address in the upcoming Small Area Plan – a document that will guide development and improvements within Swannanoa for years to come.

Progress on Pedestrian Improvements & Grant Funding: The meeting began with an update on a significant win for our community: a $979,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This funding will be used to repair and extend sidewalks in Beacon Village, a crucial step towards improving pedestrian access for local businesses and residents. While this is an exciting development, the committee acknowledged that it’s part of a larger effort to enhance walkability throughout Swannanoa.

Ensuring Inclusive Planning: Addressing Equity Concerns: A key focus of the meeting was ensuring that the Small Area Plan truly reflects the needs and perspectives of all Swannanoa residents. Following a review of feedback from recent design workshops, concerns were raised about limited participation from Black and Latino community members. Committee members emphasized the importance of reaching out to underrepresented groups, recognizing that a plan developed without their input won’t fully serve the community. Discussions centered on how to build stronger relationships with local organizations and utilize trusted messengers to broaden participation.

Identifying Key Priorities for the Future: The heart of the meeting involved identifying critical policy issues to be addressed in the Small Area Plan. Working collaboratively, committee members focused on a framework of sustainability, recovery (following recent economic challenges), resilience to future changes, and equity for all residents. Discussions touched on potential displacement pressures resulting from increased development, highlighting the need to proactively address affordability and ensure that existing residents can benefit from any growth.

What's Next? Key Dates & Action Items: The committee established a timeline for completing the Small Area Plan, with key milestones on the horizon:

• February: Expect to see draft map recommendations.
• April: The public will have an opportunity to review proposed policy and action steps.
• June/July: A full draft of the plan will be released for public comment.
• August: The final plan is expected to be adopted by the County Commission.

To ensure a truly inclusive planning process, several action items were assigned:

• County staff will explore and present options for more targeted outreach efforts, specifically aimed at engaging underrepresented communities.
• Staff will compile data and create summary maps of feedback received from sidewalk sticker surveys, making this information readily available to the committee.
• Committee members are encouraged to share any further suggestions or feedback with county staff.

Why This Matters to You: The Swannanoa Small Area Plan will shape the future of our community, influencing everything from transportation and housing to economic development and environmental sustainability. The Steering Committee’s commitment to equitable engagement and addressing potential displacement pressures demonstrates a dedication to creating a plan that benefits all Swannanoa residents, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive future for our town. Stay tuned for opportunities to provide your input as the planning process progresses!